rather · adv
rather (MORE EXACTLY)
B2 used to change something you have just said and make it more correct
Dictionary examples:
She'll go shopping on Thursday, or rather, she will if she has to. (28.8)
rather (SMALL AMOUNT)
B1 slightly or to a small degree
Dictionary examples:
The coffee was rather weak. I think it was just hot, brown water! (0.0)
My new phone is rather complicated. I need a degree to turn it on! (0.0)
My cat is rather lazy. He thinks chasing mice is too much work. (0.0)
I thought he was rather nice. (13.1)
That's rather a difficult question to answer. (16.6)
It was rather strange to invite me and then not come himself. (27.7)
She answered the telephone rather sleepily. (49.9)
would rather
B1 used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another
Dictionary examples:
I'd rather eat a live frog than listen to another boring meeting! (0.0)
I'd rather try to hug a cactus than sit through another boring class! (0.0)
I'd rather have a bad hair day than forget my phone at home! (0.0)
I would rather not tell him. (13.2)
I'd much rather go out to dinner than stay in and watch TV. (58.1)
rather than
B1 instead of
Dictionary examples:
I'd rather wear a banana costume to work rather than that ugly uniform. (0.0)
I'd rather eat a cactus than try my aunt's mystery casserole again. (0.0)
She'd rather eat broccoli ice cream rather than clean her room. (0.0)
I think I'd like coffee rather than tea, if that's okay? (56.7)